Munich. The BMW Group has achieved its eighth consecutive annual sales record with a total of 2,490,664 (+1.1%) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce delivered around the world in 2018. Best-ever figures were achieved by both BMW and Rolls-Royce, while the company’s portfolio of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles grew sales by 38.4% compared with the previous year. This sales result reconfirms the BMW Group’s position as the world’s number one premium automotive manufacturer.

Positive outlook for 2019: sales growth expected to continue

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the BMW Group believes its ongoing model offensive will result in continuing sales growth. “While we expect market conditions to remain challenging this year, new models like the all-new BMW X7 and the seventh generation of the BMW 3 Series, combined with an ever-greater focus on our customers and their needs, mean we at the BMW Group will continue on our successful course. We expect to grow sales slightly in 2019, while maintaining our clear focus on profitability,” said Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Brand BMW.

Record BMW result in 2018: Growth driven by X vehicles and BMW 5 Series

2018 saw the BMW brand achieve its highest-ever annual sales with a total of 2,125,026 (+1.8%) vehicles delivered around the world. The brand’s biggest growth drivers were the BMW X vehicles: Thanks to the introduction of the BMW X2 early in 2018 and the extension of BMW X3 production to China and South Africa, in addition to the USA, total BMW X family sales increased by 12.1% to 792,590. This means these popular premium sports activity vehicles accounted for 37.3% of total BMW sales in 2018 (33.8% in 2017). Another significant growth driver for the brand was the BMW 5 Series, which was fully available in all markets throughout 2018. Sales of the world’s most popular premium large sedan increased by 12.7% in 2018 with a total of 328,997 delivered to customers around the world.

“We are proud to have achieved our best-ever annual sales result, despite a number of important model-changeovers and significant, ongoing headwinds in several major markets,” commented Pieter Nota. “2018 saw the introduction of several exciting brand new models including the BMW X2 and the BMW 8 Series, as well as the launch of the new generation BMW X4 and BMW X5 and the long-awaited BMW Z4. I am confident the momentum generated by these new models will continue through 2019,” Nota continued.

Target achieved: Over 140,000 electrified vehicles delivered in 2018

The broad range of BMW Group electrified vehicles continues to win over increasing numbers of customers, confirming the company’s leading role in premium electromobility. In total, 142,617 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were sold around the world in 2018, an increase of 38.4% on the previous year. The plug-in hybrid BMW 530e (fuel consumption combined: 2.3-2.1 l/100 km; power consumption combined: 13.9-13.3 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 52-47 g/km) was the company’s top-selling electrified vehicle in 2018. In total, 40,260 were sold around the world, accounting for 12.2% of global BMW 5 Series sedan sales. It was also the year’s best-selling luxury plug-in hybrid vehicle in the USA. Meanwhile the MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 (fuel consumption combined: 2.5-2.4 l/100 km, power consumption combined 13.7-13.4 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 56-55 g/km) was delivered to 13,219 customers around the world, accounting for 13.3% of all MINI Countryman sales. 2018 was the fifth consecutive year of increased annual BMW i3 sales. The introduction of an optional new, more powerful battery helped grow i3 sales by 10.6% in 2018 with a total of 34,829 delivered worldwide.

Since launching the BMW i3 in 2013, the company has significantly increased both its electrified portfolio and its sales of these innovative products. “We are delighted to have clearly surpassed our stated target of selling 140,000 electrified vehicles in 2018 and believe that by the end of 2019, there will be half a million electrified BMW Group vehicles on the roads. By 2025, the BMW Group will have at least 25 electrified vehicles in its model line-up, 12 of which will be fully-electric,” Pieter Nota commented.

In 2018, deliveries of MINI brand vehicles were down 2.8% (361,531) compared to the record sales achieved in 2017. 2019 is set to be an exciting year for the brand, with the battery-driven MINI Electric set to make its first appearance towards the end of the year. “Despite challenging market conditions, MINI is a brand which continues to enthuse and excite its customers; I am confident that the introduction of the hotly anticipated MINI Electric will generate even more enthusiasm,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW AG board member responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad.

Record achievement: Best-ever sales at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

In 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars achieved annual sales of 4,107 units (+22.2%), the highest in the marque’s 115-year history. The Americas maintained its position as the company’s most important market, while sales in all regions grew year-on-year. “Customer demand for all model families has remained buoyant, with Phantom a major growth driver and Ghost the best-selling model,” commented Peter Schwarzenbauer. “We are also delighted by the exceptional response to the all-terrain Cullinan, with the first of these having been delivered to customers in time for Christmas, and a very strong order book filled into the third quarter of this year,” Schwarzenbauer continued. 2018 also saw record numbers of Bespoke commissions, further reinforcing Rolls-Royce’s position as a true Luxury House.

Straight Eight: BMW Motorrad achieves record sales again

BMW Motorrad achieved an eighth consecutive record year, with more motorcycles and maxi-scooters delivered to customers than ever before. Sales across the range increased by 0.9% with a total of 165,566 units delivered worldwide. “2018 was an important year for BMW Motorrad, with a total of nine emotional and innovative new models starting production,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer. “Introducing that many new models has been a challenge but one we’re proud to have mastered, as this new sales record proves. I’m sure we’ll build on that success through 2019,” Schwarzenbauer concluded.

BMW & MINI sales in the regions/markets

“Many of our most important markets have experienced significant political or economic headwinds this year. However the BMW Group continues to prioritise profit ahead of volume as we strive for balanced sales around the world,” said Pieter Nota.

Asia drove much of the company’s sales growth in 2018, with Mainland China achieving solid growth thanks in part to full availability of the BMW 5 Series and the popularity of the locally-produced BMW 1 Series sedan. Meanwhile the Americas also contributed to the BMW Group’s overall sales increase, with BMW being the only established premium manufacturer to achieve sales growth in the USA in 2018. Ongoing political and economic uncertainty in several markets mean that combined BMW & MINI sales in Europe are at the same high level as last year. BMW Group was the leading premium manufacturer in the UK, where the company also increased its share of the market. Increased market share was also achieved in Germany, where total BMW & MINI sales in 2018 were greater than in the previous year.

BMW Group sales in/ytd December 2018 at a glance

Sales outlook for 2019

The BMW Group expects to achieve a slight increase in global sales in 2019, in the low to mid single-digit area. The generally good economic environment and positive forecasts for the premium segment, in combination with our new models, especially the updated and expanded X-family portfolio, are expected to support sales growth in 2019. However political and economic circumstances are expected to remain volatile, which could have an impact on the automotive market.

In Mainland China, the BMW Group expects solid sales growth in 2019. While the Chinese market has normalised, the premium segment is expected to show good growth potential. Locally manufactured BMW vehicles will be the main growth drivers, especially the BMW X3, which will be fully available in 2019, having started production in China in June 2018.

In Europe, the BMW Group anticipates slight sales growth in 2019, although depending on economic development in the region, we cannot rule out that sales volume may remain at last year’s level.

Although the overall car market in the USA seems to have reached a peak, forecasts for the premium segment show growth potential for 2019. Given the positive outlook for both the premium car market and the overall economy, the BMW Group expects to achieve a slight sales growth, with growth driven largely by our renewed SUV-line-up.

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP!Jimmy Bach: jbach@stevethomasbmw.com - Cell:805-807-1989
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I wonder if the AMG number includes the lesser AMG models like the C43, E43, etc.

Looks like M is counting M Performance.

Probably the most important question in the compilation of these statistics.

How exactly an AMG, M, or Audi Sport "product" is classified can potentially conflate or underrate figures.

My guess is similar to yours, that M Performance Cars are counted in the overall total of BMW M GmbH sales.

For Mercedes-AMG, the answer should be pretty clear. When Mercedes decided to update its nomenclature from "_450 AMG Sport" models (similar to current BMW MPA nomenclature) to full on "AMG" models (i.e., Mercedes-AMG C43), it was clear Mercedes wanted to consolidate those models into the AMG portfolio.
The only differentiation that remains within the AMG product-line is the engine, denoted by the two digit number.
Otherwise, all new _43, _53, and _63 models are considered AMGs by Mercedes.
Still, it is noteworthy that in the engine department, _43 AMG and _53 models are marketed as having "AMG-enhanced" engines while _45 and _63 models are advertised as having "Handcrafted AMG" engines.

This contrasts with BMW, which adopts the middle approach, while statistically classifying both M Cars and M Performance Automobiles as M GmbH products, MPA's were purposely given a different name and are listed separately from M Cars/M Models. In short, BMW does not consider an M240i to be an M car, while Mercedes-Benz does consider a C43 to be an AMG.

A look at the configurator classifications on BMWUSA and MBUSA websites also mirrors the corporate classifications.
_43 and _53 models are filed under AMG Models while only full M Cars are filed under M Models.

13,000 M2s sold in 2018. So how many have they made in total now? 40,000+?

Gonna be 60-70,000 by the end of its run.

I still remember when the M2 was first coming out and there were rumors they were going to build 15k max. Well those estimates were wrong...sucks for those who paid $20k over sticker for what is essentially a mass produced car now.

That being said it is good to know there is still a market for what I consider the last true M car. The M2 is waaay more in line with the spirit of BMW than any other M car these days...

13,000 M2s sold in 2018. So how many have they made in total now? 40,000+?

Gonna be 60-70,000 by the end of its run.

I still remember when the M2 was first coming out and there were rumors they were going to build 15k max. Well those estimates were wrong...sucks for those who paid $20k over sticker for what is essentially a mass produced car now.

That being said it is good to know there is still a market for what I consider the last true M car. The M2 is waaay more in line with the spirit of BMW than any other M car these days...

This contrasts with BMW, which adopts the middle approach, while statistically classifying both M Cars and M Performance Automobiles as M GmbH products, MPA's were purposely given a different name and are listed separately from M Cars/M Models. In short, BMW does not consider an M240i to be an M car, while Mercedes-Benz does consider a C43 to be an AMG.

It is unbelievable how far people would go to prove that M performance cars are not M cars. Any car that has M on it from the factory is an M car. Even BMW counts them as M cars. Of course M performance cars are not the highest performing in their categories we understand.

It is unbelievable how far people would go to prove that M performance cars are not M cars. Any car that has M on it from the factory is an M car. Even BMW counts them as M cars. Of course M performance cars are not the highest performing in their categories we understand.

My post wasn't made to prove anything, rather it was written to provided comparative understanding and analysis across two rival brands.

It's actually rather simple and not really debatable.
BMW themselves don't consider M Performance Automobiles to be M Cars (though it seems they do consider them to be M products in statistics compilation).

If they did, BMW would file them under M Models/M Cars, but it's clear this is not the case.

Mercedes, on the other hand, does consider its _43 and _53 models to be AMG cars, evident by their own categorization and filing of _43 and _53 models under the same umbrella.

BMW, by contrast, made a conscientious effort to differentiate categorization and nomenclature of M Models and M Performance Automobiles (there are also numerous press releases and interviews with M Execs detailing this), no matter how blurred the lines may seem.

I mean, dude even made a thread posing the question whether it makes sense to buy a M car if you're not going to the track. And owns a M240i.

Other than the blatantly obvious bias on the subject, he's the penultimate example of the clientele that BMW went after by creating the whole MPA lineup. The proof is quite literally in the pudding, in this case. Lol.

My post wasn't made to prove anything, rather it was written to provided comparative understanding and analysis across two rival brands.

It's actually rather simple and not really debatable.
BMW themselves don't consider M Performance Automobiles to be M Cars (though it seems they do consider them to be M products in statistics compilation).

If they did, BMW would file them under M Models/M Cars, but it's clear this is not the case.

Mercedes, on the other hand, does consider its _43 and _53 models to be AMG cars, evident by their own categorization and filing of _43 and _53 models under the same umbrella.

BMW, by contrast, made a conscientious effort to differentiate categorization and nomenclature of M Models and M Performance Automobiles (there are also numerous press releases and interviews with M Execs detailing this), no matter how blurred the lines may seem.

It is unbelievable how far people would go to prove that M performance cars are not M cars. Any car that has M on it from the factory is an M car. Even BMW counts them as M cars. Of course M performance cars are not the highest performing in their categories we understand.

My post wasn't made to prove anything, rather it was written to provided comparative understanding and analysis across two rival brands.

It's actually rather simple and not really debatable.
BMW themselves don't consider M Performance Automobiles to be M Cars (though it seems they do consider them to be M products in statistics compilation).

If they did, BMW would file them under M Models/M Cars, but it's clear this is not the case.

Mercedes, on the other hand, does consider its _43 and _53 models to be AMG cars, evident by their own categorization and filing of _43 and _53 models under the same umbrella.

BMW, by contrast, made a conscientious effort to differentiate categorization and nomenclature of M Models and M Performance Automobiles (there are also numerous press releases and interviews with M Execs detailing this), no matter how blurred the lines may seem.

Also, since AMG has engine level designation in the name, it is possible to have multiple AMG branded cars. Can't call 2 different models the M3/M4 for example. I like BMW designation more, but having 2 AMG models (or more, with hybrid coming soon) definitely creates a bigger "community" per se. It fills the gap between 300 and 600 hp nicely. C43 and C63 are two completely different experiences, but welcoming that C43 owner to AMG community attracts younger individuals to also grow with the brand. In context, airlines are really only successful with business class sales vs economy.

Historically... Models like Mtechnic and M performance have been indicated to be " enhanced by BMW M... but not considered M cars " I believe that BMW has recently changed their stance on the M car lineup to include M performance.

note that it appears that " M performance" models are considered to be part of the M lineup..

M sport however.. does not count.

What I am saying exactly. If the manufacturer considers them to be part of the M lineup, they are. If you have any problems go and argue with BMW. BMW include m850i in their adverts for M town

I recognise there are different levels of 'M' cars which enthusiasts here are not ready to accept

All M performance cars have their engines modified and tuned by M division as well as their suspensions.

As posted by a knowledgeable forum member in a similar thread:

'The first M car based on a production vehicle was the E12 M535i; the engine was the same engine found in the E23 7 Series and E24 6 Series. M modifications were mostly confined to the suspension, although the front brake rotors were 3mm thicker. The interior had Recaro seats and a Motorsport wheel. The exterior had a front airdam, rear lip spoiler, cross-spoke BBS wheels and Motorsport striping. No bespoke engine or body panels. It was definitely not a "real" M car by today's standards'.

Those guys that bought the 'M' cars just for the badge and exclusivity; and not the performance would be sorely disappointed by the current nomenclature. I am sorry for your hurt pride. Please blame BMW not me.